Beginnings Yoga
465 George St, Sydney, NS B1P 1K5, Canada B1P 1K5 Sydney, NS, Canada

Welcome Kailey!!! Looking forward to seeing this sweet face behind our desk part time. Kailey is a child and youth care practitioner, a talented artist and a lover of cooking. She’s lived all over Canada and has just made Cape Breton home this past summer. Those of you who have connected with her on the mat know her to be a friendly ray of sunshine, and we are so thrilled to have her join our little team! Please make sure to make her feel at home with our community spirit

Feel the love today Celebrate the love you feel for yourself, for your family, for your friends and maybe for you partner. Celebrate the love that you feel for your neighbour, for a stranger, for someone who inspires you (even if you don’t know them personally).... Celebrate the love you feel for your favourite author, musician, artist, for the talented people who’s life purpose is to speak the language of love. Celebrate the love you feel for an animal, for the ocean, for the trees and for our beautiful earth. Celebrate the love you feel for adventure, for peace, for movement, for the wild unknown. Celebrate the love you feel for the sun, moon and stars. Love is all around us, we just need to open our hearts to feel it.

Let’s talk about the pause. Often, in our yoga classes, we will encourage you to pause and settle into stillness. To become one with the pose and just BE. Why do we do this? ... 1. For rest. Yes, even in a gentle class we make space for stillness and rest. The body needs rest after both gentle and challenging movement to consolidate the physical and emotional energy that’s been released. We need time after movement to slow our breath. More so, we need time in our day to pause what we’re doing, as there is so much more to gain in this beautiful space than any task you could ever accomplish. 2. To become aware of how we feel in the present moment without distraction. Letting go of the movement and the guided nature of the class, this is an important time to connect with you. This is the heart and soul of the practice. You have the opportunity to connect within a pose to who you truly are. 3. Because we practice on the mat the skills that we want to take off of the mat with us. And we certainly want to develop our skills for pausing. Pausing for rest. Pausing for contemplation. Pausing before responding. When we practice, and in time are able to lengthen our pause... my friends, this is where the magic happens. Pausing gives you the opportunity to smell the yogic roses- I believe our little garden is starting to bloom! Take time to thank yourself for taking a pause in your day to come to your mat to practice yoga. This pause from your regular routine is what my teacher Taylor would say is the most selfishly selfless thing you can do for yourself and your family. Pause and think about this...

We have THIRTY SIX yoga classes on our schedule for next week. 36. Thank you to our entire community for your patience as we grow through this busy season, navigating the required restrictions. With such a small capacity, please know we are doing everything we can to ensure our members can come as often as they’d like. With this in mind, we’re wondering who would be open to a 4 or 4:30pm class on the schedule? Is this something that you’d like to see- extending our evening o...ffers? Or would an 8:30-9:15pm class once or twice a week be more desirable? Either way, comment below or PM us!!! Remember, if you have an active unlimited membership with us (even the first time $50 deal), you can join our Community of Heart group for additional virtual options: https://www.facebook.com/groups/445451609796507/ We’re always open to feedback, so if there is anything at all we can work on to ensure your beginning with us is not just positive, but an incredible experience, please let us know

Wishing all of our community a day of hibernation that nourishes your soul. We encourage you to roll your mat out today and practice your very favourite yoga pose Forget what posture you should be working on. Let go of the work and the hustle and settle into your bliss, even if it’s just a few minutes... Your soul will thank you. When we practice what we love we become it.

Our studio has a foundational focus on empathy, on connection. So on Blue Monday, which is recognized to be the saddest day of the year, we're checking in. Do you need a space to be to feel uplifted and supported? We can hold this space for you. Join us for a 45 minute Gentle Yoga practice, with some gentle poses and some restorative and yin postures. Then stay after for a 45 minute community check in. The class focus will be on navigating loneliness and seasonal depressi...on, and our connection time afterwards will share some resources and healthy habits to support your well being if you're finding this season to be challenging. Monday, January 18, 7-8:30pm Sign up using the MINDBODY app Limited space available

With snow finally in our forecast, it might begin to look like winter around here soon!!! Just in time for our Cozy Winter Flow event Wear your coziest clothes, or even pajamas, and join Stephanie for a gentle, cozy, winter flow. We will share a one hour gentle and restorative practice, leading us into connection time where we will be serving tea, hot chocolate and treats. Cozy up and let’s begin! Saturday, February 20- 6:30-8:30pm... $10 for members $22 for non members To reserve your space, book and pay using the MINDBODY app. If you have an unlimited membership, book by emailing [email protected] to access your discount.

We’re growing and we’re looking to expand our incredible team!!! Now hiring experienced yoga instructors with the following: 200hr or more YTT certification... Passionate about sharing yoga and are committed to deepening their personal practice Welcoming attitude and ability to connect with students and support unique needs through instruction- connection is the foundation of our studio’s culture Minimum of one year teaching experience Please reach out and learn how our yoga studio has quickly grown to be the core community hub of yoga in Cape Breton- and how being a part of this new studio’s beginning could benefit you! Let’s begin! Email us at [email protected] to learn more and apply.

Helpful information for new members and a good reminder for our regulars too- please read. Keep in mind that our policies are created in an effort to support our entire community to ensure that every member has the best experience possible within our space. When we all work together to support this, we all get the most out of our practices! Studio practice spaces are silent, sacred spaces. Please silence your phone, use soft voices, and be mindful to lay your mat out quietl...y. We embrace connection in this studio, but please save conversations for the front area and for when class is complete. We encourage members to use this time before class for meditation or stretching, allowing time to ground yourself before we begin. Please do not use your phone during class time. We encourage you to leave your personal items in our coat room. Part of our practice is to be present with ourselves and each other, and this distraction impacts you, as well as other students in the class. If you have registered and secured a space in class and don’t show up or late cancel, this means that someone else could not get into the class that was hoping to. This has become a significant scheduling issue for us as we come into a busy season, as we have limited space due to our Covid-19 restrictions. Allowing us at least 2 hours notice in cancelling allows another member to access the spot during this busy season. Our policy has always been that if you late cancel or do not show up for a class, you will lose your class pass, or if you are a member, will be responsible to pay our drop in rate for the space you took. We have been very flexible with this in past months, as we had more space to allow this. In consideration of our community, and the members wanting to participate and have not been able to, we will begin enforcing this policy for every occurrence beginning this Monday. We open our doors 15 minutes before class start time, and lock them when we begin. We encourage members to arrive at least 5 minutes before class start time so that you’re on your mat and ready to begin practice on time, in respect to the schedule of other participants. You can learn more about our policies and studio etiquette at www.beginningsyoga.com If you have any questions or concerns, please message us or email [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your consideration and cooperation.

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to our entire Beginnings Yoga Studio community! We hope you are able to find a glimpse of joy and a glimmer of this season’s magic in your heart. Much Love from the Beginnings Yoga Team

Our studio will be closed December 24-26, but that does not mean the yoga classes will end! Uploaded today, Kat has shared a beautiful, 15 minute meditative check in, to slow things down and find a glimpse of peace in the holiday preparation chaos. Kelsey will be sharing a Christmas Eve All Levels Vinyasa Flow practice to our Beginnings Yoga Studio Love Tribe group tomorrow, for you to embrace a little holiday magic from the comfort of home.... Verna will be sharing a Holiday Refresh on Boxing Day, which will be a beautiful way to reset after all the craziness of the festivities begins to fade and the glitter starts to settle. FREE access for everyone who has an ACTIVE unlimited studio membership AND for people who have recently purchased one and booked their first class for January!!! Join our Love Tribe today! https://www.facebook.com/groups/445451609796507/

Join us for our Chair Yoga 4 Week Session! January 13- February 3 Wednesday’s 4-5pm with Kat $35 + tax... Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available. It brings the best of a yoga practice to those who require or prefer the support of a chair. Our classes guide you through gentle movement and breathing techniques with the support of a chair. This gives you the opportunity to feel the many benefits of yoga without having to get up and down from the floor. Our Chair Yoga class helps students stay healthy, vibrant and confident through stretching, strength development and balancing (beside or behind chair for support). Chair Yoga classes help to maintain mobility, improve flexibility, cultivate mindfulness and increase body awareness. Beginnings Yoga Studio is a brand new yoga studio in downtown Sydney NS, beautifully renovated, and is an already vibrant, encouraging community of people. We are Veteran owned and operated, located at 465 George St. Sign up online at www.beginningsyoga.com, by emailing us at [email protected] or by calling (902) 270-5520 to reserve a spot! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and support you in your beginning with us.

Our friendly reminder that the studio is closed December 24-26. If you’re flying by the seat of your pants and need to squeeze in a last minute gift, please reach out to us. We will be recording our video lessons all morning tomorrow, and if you need to pop in, we can arrange it between takes. Please just message us through social or at [email protected] and we will be happy to open our doors for you to complete your shopping. We have gift cards on hand and are happy to help you choose the perfect gift of wellness! Happy Holidays Cape Breton!

We know Cape Breton is talking... and we bet you’ve heard our name by now. We are hearing from so many new students that we’ve developed a reputation for being kind, welcoming and supportive- always. That we give back to our community in meaningful and consistent ways. That we’re breaking down the walls of intimidation people felt about yoga. That with the all of the regular classes, events, workshops and sessions we run each week, there is truly a class for everyone’s schedu...le, interest and unique needs. That with our studio location in downtown Sydney, we are right in the heart of this community, allowing convenient access for all surrounding areas But mostly- that our lessons at this studio are so much more than movement and fitness. Here, we teach you to embrace connection, explore your truth and expand your heart. This is our company’s mission statement. Experience what this could mean for you. Join us for our first time member rate of $50 + tax for one month unlimited yoga. Sign up using the MINDBODY app 1. Download the app 2. Choose your class to book- select BOOK 3. Select either the $50 first month membership OR your first class FREE (only until Dec 15!!!) 4. For membership option, submit your credit card info OR contact us to arrange payment via etransfer if preferred 5. Begin! Visit www.beginningsyoga.com to learn more. We have lots of information describing each class style, our instructors, as well as FAQ about beginning yoga and what to expect at our studio!

New in Studio!!! If you’re looking for some last minute gifts, we’ve just unpacked our second shipment of Beginnings Yoga Studio logo wear! Hoodies are $75 + tax and available in XS - XXL (unisex sizing) in green, blue and vintage black * black has sold out in sizes L and XL already as I unpacked! Tank tops are $36 and available in XS-XL (women’s sizing) in paprika, grey, black and green... * again, a ton have flown out the door as I unpacked these, please message to inquire about colour and sizes available T- Shirts are $40 and available in XS- XXL and available in grey Unlimited Member holders receive 10% off Good Intentions Journals are $16.99 and we only have 3 left! Tingle Feet from Saje are $16 each and great stocking stuffers. Message us if you would like us to set aside one of our new items for you before we sell out

Note to Members: Thanks for your patience with us as we are constantly evaluating the needs of our group. We anticipated things to slow down a little at this time of year, for many reasons, but you and your commitment to practice have proven us wrong! Seeing our weekend already waitlisted with events and regular classes, please know we’ve got your back and are always evolving to ensure you can practice as often as you’d like We’ve just added two classes to the schedule for... this weekend, so if you were on a waitlist, know you can jump in and book these now to ensure you’re flowing through your weekend as you hoped! ADDED: Saturday 2:30pm, Vinyasa Freedom Flow with Kelsey Sunday 6:30pm Vinyasa Peaceful Flow with Liv 8pm Yin Yoga class follows this one, they’re a beautiful duo to practice back to back See you on the mat!

Traditionally, the Winter Solstice is the celebration of the coming of the light, the return of the sun, as the days again grow longer and the darkness becomes shorter. We like to honour this time of year with candlelight, gentle and soothing poses, warm tea, holiday treats, and the love and connection of community. Thank you to everyone who joined us this evening for an intention setting practice, candle making and candle gazing meditation. It was the best way to embrace our Winter Solstice

Beginnings Yoga Studio members- just 4 more days left to bring your bulb and gift card back in We still have 10 bulbs on our tree if you’re wanting to hustle and pick one up to give back to our Cape Breton seniors this season- grab one at your next practice! Thanks so much for your generosity and supporting such a worthy, local cause!

Shop and support local and give the gift of wellness this holiday season with curated gifts from BEGINNINGS YOGA STUDIO! STUDIO ONE MONTH UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP Activated to start when you choose in the MINDBODY software (value $105)... HALFMOON BOLSTER (value $95) Many colours to choose from- will advise what is still available when you connect to purchase B MAT STRONG- 6mm (value $85) This is the size best suited for restorative and yin yoga practices. $5 donation to Caleb’s Courage with every purchase. Available in deep blue, black, charcoal, Jasper green, ocean green, deep purple (inventory is limited) HALFMOON LINEN THERAPY PILLOW (value $45) HALFMOON SILK SLEEP MASK (value $39) Available in a wide variety of patterns B MAT CLEANER (value $16) $279+ tax ($385 value) Comes wrapped and ready to gift Delivery can be arranged to Sydney, Sydney River and Howie Centre area! Message us or email [email protected] to arrange your purchase today! Limited quantities available.

Join Kat Saturday, October 17 at 3:00pm for a FREE Stretch and Sculpt Yoga for Men class. We want to introduce our studio to the men of Cape Breton, so we are offering this pop up class at no cost! Beginnings Yoga Studio is an inclusive space that welcomes everyone to our classes, regardless of gender, but we recognize that walking into a class that’s primarily female can at times be intimidating for men. More men than ever before are embracing yoga and finding it as a perfe...ct compliment to sports, weight training, martial arts and other physical activities. This class creates a space for you to rebalance while ensuring you feel comfortable in the practice space and people who surround you. If you’re doing a lot of physical activity, your body is likely very tight, and yoga works to bring both physical and mental relief. Our stretch and sculpt yoga class for men links breath with movement and will challenge and focus you both physically and mentally. We welcome men to all of our classes, but wanted to intentionally create a class and a space focused on your specific needs. All levels class of moderate to high intensity. Beginners welcome. Sign up for free at www.beginningsyoga.com or through the MINDBODY app.

We’re loving the autumn vibes in the studio right now, as pumpkins are tucked away everywhere in anticipation of our Grateful Hearts Thanksgiving event on Friday. As the change in season cools the air, some good ideas for practice are to bring a blanket, sweater or socks onto your mat to layer up into cozy warmth for savasana if you tend to get chilly. Please know as well that our floors are moisture proof, so you are welcome to bring in tea or coffee to your practice as wel...l as your water, which is sometimes nice on a cool morning or evening. We are teaching 33 classes in the studio this week between regular classes, specialty sessions, workshops and events. Make sure to check out our October event list in studio and in the event section of our Facebook page and reach out if anything peaks your interest. Sign up for our emails at www.beginningsyoga.com to stay in the loop!

ONE SPOT in our Posture Clinic tomorrow 1-2:30pm with Verna just opened up!!! FREE for members (you have an active unlimited pass) $25 for non members Email [email protected] to reserve your space!... Attend a Beginnings Yoga Studio posture clinic to fine-tune your practice and expand your knowledge and understanding of your asana practice. This posture clinic is one and a half hours long, allowing time to answer individual questions and work one on one. They are held in a regular class-like setting with other students, but you’ll get tips, attention, corrections, and guidance. Learn proper alignment and have time to practice that pose with feedback from your instructor. This is the one time where you can talk during class and get the answers to your questions. This is an excellent way to improve your practice because you’ll learn and feel the proper way to do the postures and you can apply those principles in your own practice to get deeper into the poses. All levels are welcomed. Learn everything from the fundamentals to the final expression of each posture. Work through any obstacles and challenges you may be experiencing. Because it is in a class-like setting you’ll be able to listen and learn from fellow students who may ask questions you didn’t think to ask.

New in studio!!! The H20 Bottle is a staple for any-yogi. Through your day-to-day, during your sweaty practice or on the bedside table to hydrate pre-sleep -- the H2O bottle has an insulated stainless steel interior to keep your water cool and a rubber coated outer layer for a soft suede feel to the touch. $35 + tax

Friendly reminder to members that we have a big day coming up at the studio October 10- with back to back free yoga classes all day fundraising for our charity of choice SOLDIER ON. In promoting this, and so many people sharing the love, classes are filling quickly with some already at capacity. If you enjoy practicing with us on Saturdays, jump ahead a week and reserve your spot with us now so you don’t miss out! This is a great opportunity to bring a friend and introduce them to our beautiful studio and share in our mission to build mental health awareness in Cape Breton!

The talented Kirstie Horwath is running our chalkboard show from now on, allowing everyone coming into our space to keep up with all of the amazing events, workshops and specialty sessions we’re running each month! Plus her artistic vibes make our front room so warm and welcoming. Email us at [email protected] if any of them peak your interest, and watch for her upcoming November update in a few weeks *** Highly recommend working with Kirstie!!! If anyone is interested in hiring her for a personal project, please feel free to reach out to me ***

Is your intro membership coming to an end with us and you’re looking for the best value to continue with us? We want to thank everyone who’s chosen our studio to continue their yoga journey with! For the next month, we will be offering a thank you gift for everyone who’s putting their faith into the future of our studio and our company’s mission. With the purchase of an annual unlimited membership, we will be gifting you with a B MAT Turkish Blanket ($90 value) just in time ...to cozy up for fall! The Turkish Blanket's careful fibre selection and hand woven construction makes this blanket not only cozy and soft but also durable and versatile. Made of ethically sourced ring spun cotton -- the Turkish Blanket is a mindfully made addition to your home or practice space. Our one year unlimited membership is $900 + HST, working out to only $75 a month for unlimited yoga with us and member discounts to our workshops and events! * annual memberships are purchased by a one time, full payment *

Some people have asked us why we teach art in our kids yoga classes, because that’s not yoga... right? Yoga is much more than just a physical practice, and it’s important to our studio that we share this. Whenever you’re putting your full attention and awareness into one thing, that is yoga. Connecting with your creative inner self, and finding joy in this expression, that is yoga. Of course we teach the poses. But we teach breath, connection, self love, music, joy of movement and artistic expression within this space too. We teach friendship and kindness. We teach our little yogis how beautifully unique each of them are, with amazing gifts and lessons of their own, that the world is eagerly waiting for them to share.

We’re looking to grow our team! Beginnings Yoga Studio is now hiring experienced, registered yoga instructors. We’re looking for instructors who have: 200hr or more YTT certification... Registered with Yoga Alliance Passionate about sharing yoga and are committed to deepening their own practice Welcoming attitude and ability to connect with students and support unique needs through instruction- this is the foundation of our studio’s culture Minimum one year of teaching experience Please reach out and learn how our studio has quickly grown to be a core community hub of downtown Sydney and how being a part of this new studio’s beginning would benefit you! Let’s begin!

Do you own your old bolster? If so, we have a last minute opening for tomorrow night’s Restorative Yoga Class 7-8:15pm with Kat. Message me through Facebook or email at [email protected] to reserve your spot in this special class. This is a last minute opening that you can jump into if you have an unlimited month pass or would like to use a class pass/drop in to attend. * yoga bolster is required for the supported poses in this class- if you’re wanting to order one for future restorative classes, just let me know )

As nature swirls around us, the effects are felt swirling within us. As beings of nature, we cannot help but be touched and moved somehow, to feel the whispering, the call of each seasons song in our bones. Autumn is here, breathing her poems, her stories over everything, reminding all of what they need to do, of the space she is creating so life can be more easeful, should you choose to take notice.... This is a time when we are being called to shed what no longer serves us. To start to go inwards and explore what needs to be sacrificed on the altar of autumn so we can rest more fully in winter, so we can step forth more upright in spring. And we see on looking around at nature, how all that we shed, all that we allow to drop away will become rich compost for the seeds we wish to plant. For should we choose to look deeply at what would serve to let go, we will learn lessons, we will choose ourselves as our grip loosens and the un-becoming begins. Creating room and nourishment for the becoming. Words Brigit Anna McNeill Picture by Elin Manon

We’re bringing it back! Pop up YOGA BEATS class with Kat, Wednesday, October 7, 7:00-8:00pm. Expect a high energy, fun class with loud, upbeat music that we will really move to. Get into your yoga groove and join us- space is limited! Sign up using the MINDBODY app! All levels, higher intensity class.

Registration for our FREE My First Yoga Class coming up September 30 was overwhelming- so we’ve decided to add another one to our schedule right away to support all the beginners wanting to start their yoga journey with us! My First Yoga Class, Sunday, October 4, 3:00-4:15pm. Located at 465 George St in the brand new Beginnings Yoga Studio in Sydney NS!... We work to support new beginnings at our studio, it’s a huge part of who we are in both name and practice. We believe yoga is for everyone and want encourage the exploration of what it could be for you in the most welcoming way. We understand that walking into a studio for the first time can feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable; however, if you have been considering trying yoga, or getting back on your mat to give it another try, this is the class for you. We begin the class with a short discussion, outlining a little about yoga and what to expect in our studio classes. We invite you to ask questions, we expect you to feel uncertain, this is the place for that and everyone feels the same way. The yoga practice in this class will slowly guide you to explore the needs and limitations of your unique body, teaching yoga poses at a slow pace that you will see in our other classes. Focus is on moving with breath, and how that feels, in a slow, gentle style accessible for anyone and everyone. Together, we will hold and share a space of no judgement or comparison, but rather, acceptance and compassion. You don’t need to take our word for it- we encourage you to check out our reviews (including Christine’s here) from beginners sharing their experience starting yoga with us. The time is now. Let’s Begin! Sign up at no cost on the MINDBODY app (just search for our studio), through www.beginningsyoga.com or by calling (902) 270-5520. Register soon as space is limited to 7 new students and we only offer this opportunity every few weeks!

Studio Closure Notice: Closing 1pm today until at least 1pm tomorrow. Stay safe everyone, please watch for updates for tomorrow’s afternoon and evening sessions and classes. All members have been contacted by phone and email regarding today and tomorrow’s booking cancellations, we will do the same should our closure extend.... Autumn is certainly coming in strong this year!

Beautiful night, beautiful practice, beautiful souls.

We have so many members telling us that they fell out of their yoga routine over the past few months and that joining our studio was the best decision they made to rediscover the joy of their practice. To remember the commitment they made to make time for their personal growth, wellness and whole hearted living. To have support and encouragement in pursuing and staying consistent with these values. We are the only exclusively yoga studio on the island, and offer 30 classes a ...week of all levels and intensities so you can begin where you are and feel comfortable and supported in starting over. So you can remember the joy of both movement and stillness. Beginnings Yoga Studio is the best place to come back to the practice of honouring your body, mind and spirit as one. To embrace this connection AND build even more connections within a beautiful community of like minded people. Within this space, we know one another, we engage with and support each other. Through this, we rise strong together. This mindset and attitude is intentional, it is our studio culture here. We strive to ensure that everyone FEELS like they belong here. With 30 classes a week, we’re sure there is a style and time that works for you- and if not? Tell us!!! We are taking in all student feedback and building our business model and schedule for you. Let’s begin!!! Register for a class through the MINDBODY app or at www.beginningsyoga.com * learn more about our 4 week specialty sessions through our website too!!!)

Our studio’s name can be misleading. We definitely cultivate wonderful new beginnings here... but we also hope to inspire our experienced members and our entire community that there is the opportunity to begin again with each week, each day, each practice, each breath. We have the opportunity to begin again with each present moment, it’s a gift that is always available for us to choose. Sunday’s are an opportunity for us to look back on our week and reflect on what we’re gra...teful for, what’s working for us and what is not. We can make space on Sunday’s to look at our upcoming schedule and commitments and to ask ourselves Does this support the life that I’m trying to create? We simply don’t have the time and energy for everything, so it’s important to prioritize and make space for what we value and need most. Take a moment, carve out intentional time for wellness, whatever this means for you. It may be your weekly classes here, earlier bedtime, finally reading that book you’ve intended to and has been in your closet for 5 years. Make the time for what matters most. Take care of yourself, your mind, your heart. We are running 30 yoga classes at the studio this week, we hope to see you on the mat! Let’s begin!!! * with so many classes on the schedule each week and growing, please find our current schedule on the MINDBODY app and events and sessions at www.beginningsyoga.com or our Facebook events page *

New class on the schedule starting on Monday my friends!!! Noon Flow with Kat 12:05-12:55pm Verna is taking over our Tuesday Noon Flow beginning this week too!!!... Join Kelsey Wednesdays at 12:05pm and Verna Friday’s at 12:05pm as well for your midday yoga fix. See you on the mat!!!